**Jets Eye Potential GM Candidates as Rebuilding Phase Begins**

The New York Jets have officially entered another rebuilding phase following the dismissal of general manager Joe Douglas. With a new head coach already in place and a potential quarterback change on the horizon for the 2025 season, the Jets are preparing for extensive organizational changes. Since their defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010 AFC Championship game, the Jets have experienced instability, marked by hiring five different head coaches and five different general managers.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler points out that the GM position for the Jets might not be the most attractive opportunity in the league right now. However, he notes that the candidate pool is expected to be strong because general managers typically enjoy longer tenures than head coaches. Among the potential candidates Fowler mentioned is Pittsburgh Steelers assistant general manager Andy Weidl.

Weidl, who transitioned from the Philadelphia Eagles to join the Steelers in 2022, has been integral in enhancing the team's roster, particularly focusing on bolstering both the offensive and defensive lines through drafts and free agency. Weidl's influence has been pivotal for the Steelers, and he is recognized for his skill in creating a competitive roster and setting an effective draft strategy. In the past, his name has often come up as a potential general manager candidate.

One possible complication in the Jets' pursuit of Weidl could be his longstanding relationship with the recently ousted Douglas. The two have a shared history, having climbed the ranks together with the Baltimore Ravens and later the Philadelphia Eagles. When Douglas left the Eagles to become the Jets GM, Weidl succeeded him as Philadelphia's VP of Player Personnel. Douglas has previously praised Weidl's contributions to the Eagles' 2022 roster that reached the Super Bowl.

Given their close relationship, Weidl might be influenced by Douglas' perspective on the position, or he may simply hesitate to take over a role from which his former colleague was dismissed. Though Weidl is one of seven candidates listed by Fowler, his ties to Douglas could be a deciding factor in whether he seriously considers taking the job.

The Jets are anticipated to start their search for a new general manager soon, but they may need to wait until the end of the current season for in-person interviews with executives from contending teams. Thus, the hiring process is expected to take some time.

While it remains to be seen if Weidl will become a serious contender for the position, his deep-rooted connection with Douglas suggests he may pursue other opportunities. For now, the Jets continue their quest for stability as they look to rebuild from the ground up.